Fixation inset

ABSTRACT

A fixation inset ( 1 ) for an embroiderable carrier material ( 6 ) to be fixed to an embroidery hoop ( 2 ), hoop ( 2 ) being provided for a further carrier material, characterized in that fixation inset ( 1 ) includes a downholder ( 4 ) with at least one embroidery window ( 5 ), and that downholder ( 4 ) is insertable into embroidery hoop ( 2 ), and that downholder ( 4 ) is designed in such a manner that embroiderable carrier material ( 6 ) is fixable between its underside ( 7 ) which encircles the at least one embroidery window ( 5 ), and a counter face ( 8 ).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims benefit of priority to US provisional patent application serial number U.S. 61/356,573, filed on Jun. 19, 2010, and to German patent application serial number DE 20 2010 006 721.9, filed on May 13, 2010; the contents of each are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a fixation inset for an embroiderable carrier material for installation into an embroidery hoop and more particularly to a fixation inset for an embroidery hoop by which further carrier material can be clamped.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embroidery hoops are well-known from the state of the art. Such an embroidery hoop serves for the support of a carrier material such as, in particular, a fabric. An embroidery pattern is applied onto this carrier material, e.g. by means of an industrial embroidery machine. For this, such an embroidery hoop typically includes a hoop part which forms the actual hoop, and a clamping part which serves for clamping of the carrier material. Such an embroidery hoop is being sold e.g. by the company EMS/hooptech, USA, and is offered under the name “tubular frame” or “Tubular-Rahmen” in a rectangular shape. Similarly constructed is a circular hoop which is shown in document U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,800. For clamping of the carrier material, firstly, the clamping part is detached from the outside of the hoop part with which it interacts during operation, and e.g. put down on a placement area. Subsequently, the carrier material which must be at least slightly larger than the clamping part is being put onto the clamping part and positioned in such a manner that a circumferential excess length is formed. Eventually, the hoop part is put from above onto the clamping part which is covered by the carrier material in such a manner that the carrier material is being enveloped and clamped between the outside of the hoop part and the inside of the clamping part, and being stretched at the same time. If necessary, the clamping part can be reduced in its circumference e.g. by means of a knurled screw in order to increase the clamping force. Now, the carrier material which is fixed in the embroidery frame can be attached together with the embroidery frame to the pantograph of the embroidery machine, where it can be further processed.

A carrier for embroidery works is available under the name “E-ZEE PreFrame” which is described in document WO 2006 048066 A1. It consists of a flexible, but rigid, hoop with a window-like reach-through opening which is covered with the carrier material to be embroidered. Preferably, a row of hoops are combined with each other to a band. The advantage of the product lies in the fact that, during insertion of the carrier material, no care must be taken of the flatness of the fabric which carries the embroidery work later on. The embroidery work can firstly be produced totally independent of the actual product onto which it shall be applied later on. After carrying out the embroidery work, the “PreFrame” can be taken out from the according support frame. In order to apply the embroidery in a further process step onto a further carrier material, e.g. a piece of clothing, the embroidery is being manually positioned onto the same. If now a sewing- or embroidery machine shall fix the embroidery by means of a circumferential seam to the piece of fabric, this manual positioning is problematic and time-consuming. If the positioning is not precise, the circumferential seam will not run along the edge of the embroidery, which can result in impairment of the visual impression up to rejects.

For the above mentioned “E-ZEE PreFrame”, an according fixture is also known which is being offered by EMS/Hooptech, USA as well. It consists of a basis which can be fixed to the pantograph of an embroidery machine, as well as of a vertically detachable clamping hoop. Between top side of the basis and underside of the clamping hoop, the carrier material can be inserted and fixed by lowering the spring-loaded clamping hoop. This apparatus does also not allow positioning of finished and inserted embroidery onto a further carrier material. For this, the embroidery must be taken out from the hoop, manually positioned onto a further carrier material while being simultaneously precisely adjusted to the embroidery- or sewing machine, if the same shall produce a circumferential seam which fixes the embroidery to the further carrier material.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which allows for a precise and reproducible positioning of an embroiderable, in particular an embroidered, carrier material relative to an embroidery or sewing machine by which the embroiderable or embroidered carrier material is attachable to a further carrier material. A further object is to provide a cost effective method of making such an apparatus. A further object is to provide an embroidery hoop suitable for interaction with a fixation inset according to the invention.

These objects are solved by providing a fixation inset and an embroidery hoop with fixation inset according to the present invention. Further advantageous embodiments are provided in the subsequent description, figures and claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention a fixation inset is provided for an embroiderable carrier material to be fixed to an embroidery hoop, the hoop being provided for a further carrier material, is characterized in that the fixation inset includes a downholder with at least one embroidery window, and that the downholder is insertable into the embroidery hoop, and that the downholder is designed in such a manner that the embroiderable carrier material is fixable between its underside which encircles the at least one embroidery window and a counter face.

In a preferred embodiment, the fixation inset includes a bottom with at least one embroidery window, wherein the bottom is insertable into the embroidery hoop, and wherein the bottom is designed in such a manner that its upper side which surrounds the at least one embroidery window provides the counter face.

In another aspect, an embroidery hoop for a further carrier material, with a fixation inset being provided for an embroiderable carrier material is provided, wherein the fixation inset is fixable to the embroidery hoop, and wherein the embroidery hoop includes one or several of the following features:

-   -   a counter face, between which the carrier material is fixable by         means of the underside of the downholder;     -   at least one embroidery window, which corresponds with the         embroidery window of the downholder;     -   inner walls, which interact with segments of the fixation inset         and which are vertical or inclined at an angle, and to which the         inset is laterally fixable;     -   at least one positioning aid for the embroiderable carrier         material;     -   an overhead flange and/or other elements for interaction with         means against lift-off of the fixation inset;     -   a flange which is arranged at its bottom edge as means against         fall-through of the fixation inset.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a fixation inset, which is inserted into an embroidery hoop.

FIG. 2 depicts a bottom of the fixation inset shown in a top view (FIG. 2A) and side views (FIGS. 2B and 2C).

FIG. 3 depicts a downholder of the fixation inset shown in a top view (FIG. 3A) and a side view (FIG. 3B).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A fixation inset according to the invention is provided for an embroiderable carrier material to be fixed to an embroidery hoop, the hoop being provided for a further carrier material. Particularly preferred, the above mentioned carrier foil which is equipped with a frame is used as embroiderable carrier material. As a matter of course, each other carrier material can be used as well, such as, in particular, fabric, interlaced yarns, or meshwork. The embroidery frame which is not a component of the invention, but with which it interacts, preferably includes plastics or metal. Typically, such an embroidery hoop includes a clamping part as well as a hoop part. The hoop part usually has substantially vertically running walls with a height of several centimeters. Optionally, a flange which is bent towards the outside is arranged at the upper edge of the hoop part.

The fixation inset according to the invention is characterized in that it includes a downholder with at least one embroidery window. This embroidery window is the opening through which the embroidery needle interacts during the embroidery process with the carrier material to be embroidered. Typically, such a fixation inset has one single embroidery window. However, it is also possible that the fixation inset includes a multitude of preferably identically dimensioned embroidery windows.

According to the invention, it is further intended that the downholder is insertable into the embroidery hoop. This means, that the outer dimensions of its underside which surrounds the at least one embroidery window are smaller or equal to the interior dimensions of the embroidery hoop, so that the downholder can be inserted into the embroidery hoop. Preferably, the dimensions are compatible with each other so that the embroidery window is as large as possible, but still enough material is left for a sufficiently stiff construction of the downholder. It is clear that the downholder can also includes elements which exceed the internal dimension of the embroidery hoop for which it is provided. Such elements are being described in detail later on. However, it is essential that the embroidery window, together with the, the same defining, lower part of the downholder can be located within the embroidery hoop. Particularly preferred, the plane of the embroidery window is arranged in the region of the lower edge of the embroidery hoop.

According to the invention, it is further provided that the downholder is designed in such a manner that the embroiderable carrier material is fixable between its underside which encircles the at least one embroidery window, and a counter face. The fixation preferably takes place by means of clamping. This means that the clamping gap which is left after inserting the downholder between its underside and the counter face which must be provided according to the invention must be smaller than the thickness of the carrier material.

By means of the possibility as being provided according to the invention of fixing the carrier material in the embroidery hoop by means of the downholder according to the invention, firstly, embroidery of the carrier material can take place. Following, a further carrier material can be attached to the embroidery hoop with aid of a clamping part which belongs to the embroidery hoop, without taking out the carrier material. Since the position of the embroidery work relative to the embroidery hoop, and therefore to the embroidery machine, is known, the latter can produce without manual positioning work e.g. a circumferential seam, by which the previously finished embroidery work can now be fixed to the further carrier material.

According to one embodiment, the counter face is provided by the embroidery hoop. This means that the embroidery frame has at its lower circumference a horizontally running region which serves for the fixation, as in particular the clamping, of the carrier material by means of the downholder which can be inserted from above. It is clear that the horizontally running region has an according recess for the embroidery window. Preferably, in the counter face, the embroidery window has essentially the same geometry as the embroidery window of the downholder, or it is designed slightly larger. Otherwise, the risk exists that the counter face is being hidden by non-transparent parts of the carrier material. A user could unintentionally let the embroidery machine run into this region, what would result in damage of the machine.

According to another, preferred embodiment it is intended that the fixation inset according to the invention further includes a bottom with at least one embroidery window, and that the bottom is insertable into the embroidery hoop, and that the bottom is designed in such a manner that the counter face is provided by the bottom's top side which encircles the at least one embroidery window. It is clear that the embroidery window(s) of the bottom has/have essentially an identical position and dimension as the embroidery window(s) of the downholder. In this manner, a largest possible fixation area, such as in particular a clamping area, is being provided. For the dimension of the bottom, in particular for its lateral dimensions, the same applies what was stated about the dimension of the downholder. The top side of the bottom provides the counter face according to the invention, whereby it is clear that the bottom can also include further elements, e.g. such elements which protrude vertically from the plane of the counter face, wherein these elements however must not be counted to the regions which are presently named with the term of the “upper side”.

Therefore, it is intended according to a further embodiment that the downholder and/or optionally the bottom includes vertical sections which interact free of play with the inside of the embroidery hoop. With regard to the bottom, these sections extend approximately in vertical direction upwards and fit closely to the inside of the embroidery hoop after inserting the bottom into the same; however, without jamming with it. In analogy, also the fixation inset preferably has such sections. It is not necessary that these sections extend along the entire circumference of the respective component. Two to six such sections at the bottom and four such sections at the downholder are rather sufficient. It is clear that the respective sections are arranged in such a manner that they do not obstruct each other's function. In this manner, the respective element is laterally fixed, resulting in the precision as is desired according to the invention during carrying out of the embroidery works.

Alternatively, the said segments can be also arranged in a greater distance to the inner wall of the embroidery hoop. However, it is desirable in this case to provide other means which allow for the lateral fixation of the downholder and/or optionally of the bottom, which will be discussed later on.

It is particularly preferred that at least parts of the vertical segments are inclined at an angle. This is always desired if the inner wall of the embroidery hoop is also inclined at an according angle. In this manner, a vertical fixation can also be achieved without further means being necessary for this. Particularly preferred, if present, the vertical segments of the bottom are accordingly inclined. As a matter of course, it is also possible to provide a segment in vertical direction which stands perpendicular to the respective component and which is subsequently elbowed, or vice-versa.

The solution set forth so far has the disadvantage that after the taking out of the embroidered carrier material from the fixation inset according to the invention, a subsequent precise positioning is difficult. The positioning is only precise as long as the carrier material resides in the fixation inset which is inserted into the embroidery hoop, so that a subsequent attachment step of the embroidery with a further carrier material is necessary precisely and without adjustment.

It is therefore preferably intended that the fixation inset according to the invention includes further at least one positioning aid for the embroiderable carrier material. Such a positioning aid allows putting the carrier material after the taking out from the fixation inset back into the same again, wherein the original position is being restored without adjustment efforts.

A simple positioning aid which is not necessarily a constructive element of the fixation inset, but which is at least functionally assigned to it, includes for example in the adaptation of the lateral dimensions of the carrier material and the inner area of the embroidery hoop. As soon as the carrier material is inserted into the embroidery hoop and fixed in vertical direction by means of the downholder according to the invention, it laterally bears in such a manner against an at least sufficiently number of spots at the inner side of the embroidery hoop so that it is laterally fixed.

It is however preferred that the positioning aid includes at least one fixation pin which is arranged at the downholder and/or at the counter face, and which particularly preferably interacts with a recess which is present in the opposing component. It is clear that also the carrier material must have according intakes, e.g. holes, through which the at least one fixation pin passes, thus fixing the material. Preferably, six such fixation pins are present, and particularly preferred, they have such a length that they also pass at least partially through the opposing component. In such a manner, the lateral positioning between these components is ensured as well. This is particularly advantageous if only one of the both components (downholder or bottom) laterally interacts with the inner side of the embroidery hoop, so that the other component would not be laterally fixed without the positioning aid.

Particularly preferred, the fixation pins are located in the bottom part, are being fabricated by partly-circumferential sawing and subsequent bending up, and have at their upper end a tapering as an insertion aid. The downholder has then accordingly positioned preferably round intake boreholes.

In the case that the counter face is formed by the embroidery hoop itself, in analogy, it can have according positioning aids, wherein preferably, boreholes are arranged in the embroidery hoop, and fixation pins which point downwards are arranged at the downholder. It is clear that in this case, the length of the fixation pins must be dimensioned such that the same do not extend over the underside of the fixation inset during operation.

According to another embodiment, it is intended that at least the downholder includes means against lift-off. Accordingly, such means serve for taking up vertically acting forces such as e.g. the pulling out of the embroidery needle from the carrier material, or vibrations from the embroidery machine. Without such means, the embroidery could be vertically moved, what in extreme cases could result in damage of the embroidery machine.

Preferably, the means against lift-off includes clamps. Preferably, these clans can be operated manually and are symmetrically arranged in the center of the fixation inset. It is clear that each clamp has a pivot joint. This can for example include a borehole and a rotary axis, the latter being accordingly arranged at the fixation inset and particularly preferred being formed by a screw.

According to the invention, these clamps do interact with the outside of the embroidery hoop and/or the underside of an embroidery hoop's overhead flange. Due to accordingly high friction forces, the interaction with the outside of the embroidery hoop alone already achieves a certain security against lift-off. However, particularly preferred, the embroidery hoop has a flange which is arranged at its upper side and which runs towards the outside, below which the, when viewed in vertical direction, upper side of each clamp engages, even if the clamp only has a pivot joint with a rotary axis that also runs in vertical direction. In this case, the upper side of the clamp(s) serves as vertical end-stop, whereas its area that touches the outside of the embroidery hoop functions as lateral positioning aid for the downholder.

Accordingly, this setup can also alternatively or additionally take over the lateral fixation function of the aforementioned vertical sections.

According to other embodiments, the downholder is secured magnetic, by means of screws or the same to the embroidery hoop, wherein it is clear that the latter must provide according intakes.

According to the further preferred embodiment, the downholder and/or optionally the bottom includes means against fall-through through the embroidery hoop. Since embroidery hoops typically have at their underside no projection or the like which points to the inside, it has to be avoided that the fixation inset according to the invention, or individual parts of the same, fall through the embroidery hoop during the operational state.

Therefore, the aforementioned vertical sections preferably end at least partially in an substantially horizontally running end piece which rests on the upper edge of the embroidery hoop during the operational state, thus securing the fixation inset in vertical direction against fall-through. Accordingly, these means against fall-through can also be described as support hooks. This particularly preferably relates to the vertical segments of the bottom, if present.

It is further possible that the horizontally running end pieces further have an end section which in turn runs vertically downwards, so that a hook is formed which in some degree secures against tilting of the component as well.

According to another embodiment, it is intended that the bottom is fixable to the downholder. As long as the downholder is secured in vertical direction against lift-off and falling through as well as in lateral direction, such safeguards can be omitted for the bottom if the latter itself is firmly connected to the downholder in the operational state. For the production of such a fixation, clamps, screws, magnets, springs, hinges and the same can be used. It is only necessary that the fixation can be loosened again in order to exchange the carrier material without problems. So, the bottom can e.g. have projections which interact in horizontal direction bayonet-like with the downholder. As soon as the fixation inset is inserted into the embroidery hoop, its elements are laterally fixed, so that the bayonet catch can not self-actingly disengage again. If fixation pins are provided, the intakes interacting with them must be accordingly extended.

Depending on the geometry of the embroidery hoop, it is preferred that the fixation inset makes most optimal use of the available space. Accordingly, the fixation inset can have a substantially round, angular, quadratic, or elliptic shape in the top view. However, such geometries differing from the shape of the embroidery hoop are possible, which for example can be adapted by means of according adapter elements to the shape of the embroidery hoop, in particular to the according end stop faces.

Particularly preferred it is further provided that the fixation inset can substantially be fabricated from sheet-metal parts. Such sheet-metal parts can be brought into the desired shape with the necessary precision by punching and bending. In this manner, a particularly cost-effective realization of the fixation inset according to the invention is possible. Further elements as in particular the aforementioned clamps can also preferably be fabricated from sheet-metal material. Components such as screws or springs are preferably selected in standard sizes, so that fabrication is possible here as well to the lowest costs possible.

Particularly preferred, the fixation inset can be fixed to a commercially available embroidery hoop. Such an embroidery hoop has already been described in the context of the state of the art.

However, alternatively, the embroidery hoop can also be a special design; in particular, if geometrical features are necessary which cannot be provided by commercially available embroidery hoops (see above).

Accordingly, the invention also provides an embroidery hoop for a further carrier material wherein the embroidery hoop includes a fixation inset which is provided for an embroiderable carrier material, wherein the fixation inset can be attached to the embroidery hoop.

In order for the embroidery hoop according to the invention to optimally interact with the fixation inset, the embroidery hoop includes according to the invention one or several of the following features: (a) a counter face, between which the carrier material is fixable by means of the underside of the downholder; (b) at least one embroidery window, which corresponds with the embroidery window of the downholder; (c) inner walls, which interact with segments of the fixation inset and which are vertical or inclined at an angle, and to which the inset is laterally fixable; (d) at least one positioning aid for the embroiderable carrier material; (e) an overhead flange and/or other elements for interaction with means against lift-off of the fixation inset; and (f) a flange which is arranged at its bottom edge as means against fall-through of the fixation inset.

The functionalities of the individual features have already been discussed in the context of the above description of the fixation inset according to the invention, which is why a repeated representation can be omitted.

Subsequently, the procedure for the utilization of an apparatus according to the invention is outlined.

Firstly, the carrier material is applied onto the counter face. If present, the according positioning aids are being observed beforehand as well as subsequent at all times.

If the counter face is part of the bottom, the carrier material is inserted with the bottom into the embroidery hoop. This step is omitted if the counter face is integral part of the embroidery hoop.

Subsequently, the carrier material is fixed, as in particular clamped, between the underside of the downholder and the counter face. This is being achieved by inserting the downholder as well as optionally by operating the according means against lift-off as in particular clamps.

The loaded embroidery hoop is then brought into the pantograph of an embroidery machine and attached with the same.

Following, the actual embroidery work can take place.

Optionally, after completion of the embroidery work the same can be taken out by loosening the fixation inset, in particular, the downholder.

If now the embroidery work shall be applied onto a further carrier material, it must be fixed again in the embroidery hoop according to the above directions, if having been removed before.

Then, the further carrier material must be attached to the embroidery hoop by means of the clamping part, as described above.

Eventually, the embroidery hoop, which now is loaded with the carrier material includes the embroidery work and the further carrier material, is again inserted into a sewing- or embroidery machine. Further works such as for example the stitching down of the embroidery work onto the further carrier material can now be carried out without special, particularly manual, positioning work, since due to the apparatus according to the invention, in particular the lateral position of the carrier material relative to the embroidery hoop and thus, to the sewing- or embroidery machine, has not changed or can easily be determined.

Therefore, the apparatus according to the invention allows the precise and reproducible positioning of an embroiderable, in particular embroidered, carrier material relative to a sewing- or embroidery machine by which the embroiderable or embroidered carrier material can be attached to a further carrier material. Due to the manufacturability of all relevant parts of a fixation inset according to the invention from sheet metal, the cost-effective provision of such an apparatus is possible.

By provision of an embroidery hoop being suitable to interact with a fixation inset according to the invention, variants of the same can be used even if no according, commercial embroidery hoop is available.

Turning to the drawings, in FIG. 1, a fixation inset 1 according to the invention which is inserted into an embroidery hoop 2 is shown in a perspective view. The fixation inset 1 includes a bottom 3 and a downholder 4. The bottom 3 as well as the downholder are insertable into the interior of the embroidery hoop 2, which is being achieved in that their lateral dimensions are smaller than the interior dimensions of the embroidery hoop. A component of the embroidery hoop 2 is the frame part 2′. At the outside of the frame part 2′, a clamping part 2″ is attached which serves for the fixation of a further carrier material (not shown).

The bottom 3 as well as the downholder 4 has an embroidery window 5. If an according carrier material 6 is present (shown as hatched area), the embroidery work can take place in this embroidery window 5. The carrier material 6 is fixable with its carrier frame 6′ (white region that surrounds the hatched area) between the underside (not visible) of the downholder 4 and a counter face 8. Presently, the counter face is formed by the upper side 9 of the bottom 3.

Bottom 3 as well as downholder 4 have vertical segments 10. These substantially extend perpendicular upwards and are partially designed in a manner such that they interact free of play with the inner side of the embroidery hoop 2. According to the depicted embodiment, this is particularly true for the vertical segments 10 of the bottom 3. In this manner, the bottom 3 is laterally fixed relative to the embroidery hoop 2. Since the embroidery hoop 2 itself can be reproducibly precisely inserted by means of according arms 11 e.g. into, or be attached to, the pantograph of a sewing- or embroidery machine (respectively not shown), the position of the carrier material 6 relative to the sewing- or embroidery machine is therefore known as well. In particular, this is the case if the carrier material 6 is fixable in the fixation inset 1 by means of an according positioning aid (not shown).

In order for the downholder 4 to be fixed also in vertical direction against lift-off, it has means against lift-off 12. As depicted, these include clamps 13 with a pivot joint 14 (not all equipped with reference signs), which presently is formed by screws. Depicted is the state of operation in which the sides of the clamps 13 which point upwards interact with the underside of an overhead flange 15 of the embroidery hoop 2. In this case, interacting means that they grip in a manner under the flange such that lift-off of the downholder 4 is being avoided. By operating the clamp's ends which point away from the center of the embroidery frame 2, they tilt, so that the downholder can be lifted upwards (not shown). Operating can particularly advantageously be achieved in that a user presses together the aforementioned ends of one side with two fingers of the same hand.

In order to secure bottom 3 and downholder 4 against falling through the embroidery hoop 2, furthermore, means against fall-through 16 are provided. In the depicted embodiment, these are formed by support hooks (not all equipped with reference signs). For this, the above described vertical segments 10 at least partially in an essentially horizontally running end piece which rests on the upper edge of the embroidery hoop 2 in the depicted operational state, thus securing the fixation inset 1 in vertical direction against falling through.

As is immediately apparent from FIG. 1, all essential components of the fixation inset 1 can be manufactured from sheet-metal parts. As a result of this, the components can be manufactured particularly cost-effective.

In FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of the bottom of the fixation inset according to the invention is shown in a top view (FIG. 2A) and in side views (FIGS. 2B and 2C).

The top view depicted in FIG. 2A shows the bottom 3 with the embroidery window 5. The upper side of the bottom 9 represents the counter face 8 which serves for the fixation of the carrier material (not shown). In two opposing border areas (arranged above and below in the picture), three positioning aids 17 are respectively located which are formed as fixation pins that advantageously are manufactured by partly-circumferential sawing and subsequent bending up. These have at their upper end a tapering as an insertion aid, which is well visible in FIG. 2B. Also well visible are the vertical segments 10 which are formed as support hooks at their end in order to serve as means against fall-through 16 of the bottom 3 through the embroidery hoop (not shown). While according to FIG. 2B, two narrow, rather laterally arranged vertical segments 10 are being provided at two opposing longitudinal sides, the view of FIG. 2C shows that at the two remaining longitudinal sides, only one respectively centered arranged vertical segment 10 is provided which is designed significantly wider.

Since no vertical segments 10 are being present in the corners of the bottom 3, the entire component can advantageously be bent out of one sheet-metal.

In FIG. 3, a preferred embodiment of a downholder of the fixation inset according to the invention is shown in a top view (FIG. 3A) and a side view (FIG. 3B). Herein, the downholder 4 is already in the according installation position to the bottom 3 shown in FIG. 2A.

The downholder 4 has one single embroidery window 5. The region defining the same has an underside 7, against which the carrier material (not shown) lies in the operational state. Furthermore, it has vertical segments 10, which are particularly well visible in the side view. These respectively end in a horizontal segment which acts as support hook and therefore as means against fall-through 16.

Boreholes 17′ that correspond with the positioning aid are inserted through the underside 7. In this manner, the position of the downholder 4 with the bottom (not shown) can be exactly defined. Also, the position of the carrier material (not shown) can be exactly defined as long as it has according holes in its carrier frame. It is preferred that the dimension, position, and distance of the positioning aids as well as the boreholes correspond to the perforated margin of the aforementioned E-ZEE PreFrame.

Eventually, boreholes are provided for attachment of the clamps (not shown) at the end of the, there accordingly extended, support hooks which are depicted above and below in the picture.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only. Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications and alternate embodiments as may come within the true scope of this invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 fixation inset -   2 embroidery hoop -   2′ hoop part -   2″ clamping part -   3 bottom -   4 downholder -   5 embroidery window -   6 carrier material -   6′ carrier frame -   7 underside of the downholder -   8 counter face -   9 top side of the bottom -   10 vertical section -   11 arm -   12 means against lift-off -   13 clamp -   14 pivot joint -   15 overhead flange -   16 means against fall-through -   17 positioning aid -   17′ corresponding boreholes 

1. A fixation inset (1) for an embroiderable carrier material (6) to be fixed to an embroidery hoop (2), the hoop (2) being provided for a further carrier material, wherein the fixation inset (1) comprises a downholder (4) with at least one embroidery window (5), further wherein the downholder (4) is insertable into the embroidery hoop (2), further wherein the downholder (4) is designed in such a manner that the embroiderable carrier material (6) is fixable between its underside (7) which encircles the at least one embroidery window (5), and a counter face (8).
 2. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 1, wherein the counter face (8) is provided by the embroidery hoop (2).
 3. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a bottom (3) with at least one embroidery window (5), wherein the bottom (3) is insertable into the embroidery hoop (2), further wherein the bottom (3) is designed in such a manner that the counter face (8) is provided by the bottom's (3) top side (9) which encircles the at least one embroidery window (5).
 4. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 1, wherein the downholder (4) and/or optionally the bottom (3) comprises vertical sections (10) which interact free of play with the inside of the embroidery hoop (2).
 5. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 4, wherein the vertical sections (10) are inclined at an angle.
 6. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one positioning aid (17) for the embroiderable carrier material (6).
 7. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 6, wherein the positioning aid (17) comprises at least one fixation pin which is arranged at the downholder (4) and/or at the counter face (8), and which optionally interacts with a recess in an opposing component.
 8. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 1, wherein the downholder (4) comprises means against lift-off (12).
 9. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 8, wherein the means against lift-off (12) comprises clamps (13) which interact with the outside of the embroidery hoop (2) and/or the underside of an embroidery hoop's (2) overhead flange (15).
 10. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 3, wherein the downholder (4) and/or optionally the bottom (3) comprises means against fall-through (16) through the embroidery hoop (2).
 11. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 10, wherein the means against fall-through (16) comprises support hooks.
 12. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 3, wherein the bottom (3) is fixable to the downholder (4).
 13. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fixation inset (1) has a substantially round, angular, quadratic, or elliptic shape in the top view.
 14. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 1, wherein it is substantially fabricated from sheet-metal parts.
 15. The fixation inset (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fixation inset (1) is fixable to a commercially available embroidery hoop (2).
 16. An embroidery hoop (2) for a further carrier material, with a fixation inset (1) being provided for an embroiderable carrier material (6) according claim 1, wherein the fixation inset (1) is fixable to the embroidery hoop (2), and wherein the embroidery hoop (2) comprises one or more of the following features: a) a counter face (8), between which the carrier material (6) is fixable by means of the underside (7) of the downholder (4); b) at least one embroidery window (5), which corresponds with the embroidery window (5) of the downholder (4); c) inner walls, which interact with segments (10) of the fixation inset (1) and which are vertical or inclined at an angle, and to which the inset is laterally fixable; d) at least one positioning aid (17) for the embroiderable carrier material (6); e) an overhead flange (15) and/or other elements for interaction with means against lift-off (12) of the fixation inset (1); and f) a flange which is arranged at its bottom edge as means against fall-through (16) of the fixation inset. 